Divers’ CEO ousted

DURHAM, N.C. — After an 18-month legal battle citing mismanagement and personal use of corporate funds, the board of the Durham-based Divers Alert Network has forced CEO Peter Bennett to retire early after 22 years, The Independent Weekly reported in its January 15 edition.

The board claims Bennett used funds for himself and supporters, including a Durham-based lawyer, and ran the nonprofit as a for-profit company.

Bennett dismisses the allegations by citing his success in building the group into a $14 million international enterprise.

The organization, which provides a 24-hour hotline for diving accidents, uses money collected from memberships and donations to fund research and training programs for divers.